Are you one of those folks that heads north for the summer? We’re not talking about snowbirds migrating up from Florida. We’re talking about those that seek out the cool Canadian air when summer days get unbearably hot and humid here in the States. If you’re looking for the perfect Northern escape, check out La Pointe Cabin in Poisson Blanc Regional Park, in Quebec.
Poisson Blanc Regional Park is known for its 32-square-mile reservoir dotted with 100 small islands. The park offers hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views, plenty of spots for kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing, and secluded camping sites perfect for getting away from hectic city life. In short, Poisson Blanc was the ideal location for La Pointe Cabin.
Just 90 minutes north of Ottawa, La Pointe Cabin is the creation of Montreal-based architectural and construction firm L’Abri. The “micro-shelter” is the latest in a new wave of pared-down yet ultra-stylish getaway cabins designed for folks who need to disconnect from the world. Situated in a secluded spot (it’s a full 10-minute walk through the woods to access the cabin), the off-grid and ready-to-camp La Pointe offers only basic accommodations like a kitchenette, sleeping loft, and wood-burning stove. But the tiny structure is so much more than a simple cabin in the woods.
La Pointe Cabin is a rethinking of the traditional A-frame cabins and is a classic example of the principle “form follows function.” Intended to be a shelter first, the cabin was designed as a one-room space with a sharply sloped roof. This shape resulted in a cathedral ceiling inside that created room for the sleeping loft. The main level of the cabin consists of the kitchenette, a dining table that can convert into a second bed, and a hanging chair positioned in front of the wood stove. The sleeping loft, accessed via a steel and wood ladder, is just big enough for a queen-sized mattress.
While this micro-shelter is definitely small, a massive picture window framing a view down to the reservoir floods the space with natural light. There are also sliding glass doors that lead to a covered outdoor terrace. The finishes inside of the cabin are basic with cedar planks making up the walls and floors and black cabinets present in the kitchenette. The lightness of the wood helps to make the cabin feel more open and bigger than it is. For a touch of contrast, the picture window wall is painted black, adding a contemporary, masculine touch to the design.
Outside, the finishes were kept simple so as not to compete with the beauty of the natural surroundings. The structure is clad in natural cedar board and batten, which will patina over time to a silvery tone. The roof is capped with steel in a nod to the area’s historic rural buildings. The outdoor terrace, which includes a picnic table and grill, is covered with a translucent polycarbonate roof, keeping the space filled with natural light yet protected from the elements.
If a simple space with cool breezes and breathtaking water views is your jam, head north this summer for a stay at this stylish off-grid retreat.
If a traditional A-Frame is more your style, check out this tiny cabin designed to have no environmental impact.
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